Method for omnidirectional processing of 2D images including recognizable characters
The invention is a method for omnidirectional recognition of recognizable characters in a captured two-dimensional image. An optical reader configured in accordance with the invention searches for pixel groupings in a starburst pattern, and subjects located pixel groupings to a preliminary edge crawling process which records the pixel position of the grouping's edge and records the count of edge pixels. If two similar-sized pixel groupings are located that are of sizes sufficient to potentially represent recognizable characters, then the reader launches “alignment rails” at pixel positions substantially parallel to a centerline connecting the center points of the two similarly sized groupings. A reader according to the invention searches for additional recognizable characters within the rail area, and subjects each located pixel grouping within the rail area to a shape-characterizing edge crawling process for developing data that characterizes the shape of a pixel grouping's edge. After adjusting the orientation representation of the shape-characterizing data the reader compares the developed shape-characterizing data to previously stored shape-characterizing data to determine the character represented by the grouping on the basis of the best fit data.
1. A method for utilization of device having an imaging assembly including an image sensor, a memory, and a hand graspable housing, the method including:
activating capture of image data into said memory;
searching for pixel groupings utilizing said image data, wherein a pixel grouping is characterized by one or more adjacent like valued pixels;
identifying a pair of similarly sized pixel groupings;
utilizing a result of said identifying, determining a location for searching for a character pixel grouping;
developing shape characterizing data for said character pixel grouping; and
recognizing a character represented by said character pixel grouping.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method includes binarizing said image data.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method includes determining edge pixels of said pixel groupings.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method includes determining edge pixels of said character pixel grouping.
5. An optical character recognition optical reader for recognizing recognizable characters in a captured image, said reader comprising:
an imaging assembly including an image sensor for generating image signals;
a hand graspable housing;
a memory having stored character reference data stored therein;
control circuit in communication with said memory and said image sensor, said control circuit being operative for capturing image data into said memory, said control circuit further being operative for:
searching for pixel groupings utilizing said image data;
determining edge pixels of said pixel groupings;
based on said determining, identifying a pair of similarly sized pixel groupings;
utilizing a result of said identifying, determining a location for searching for a character pixel grouping;
developing shape characterizing data for said character pixel grouping utilizing edge pixels of said character pixel grouping; and
recognizing a character represented by said character pixel grouping.
6. The reader of claim 5 , wherein said control circuit is operative for binarizing said image data.
7. The reader of claim 5 , wherein said memory stores shape characterizing data.